10 things that I have learnt so far

I turned 29 a week ago and have been spending time the past couple of days reflecting on the ride I had so far – things I learned, things I absolutely must NOT do again, what I have improved on, what I still have a a long way to go, experiences gained, and how far I have come. Here are 10 things that I have learnt so far.

1. Being positive helps a lot: Let’s get this straight. The greater part of your misery or unhappiness is determined not by your circumstances, but by your attitude. Your life would be lot more fun and exciting if you just smiled at people who are trying to hurt or begrudge you. Never forget the law of attraction, positivity attracts positivity and negativity attracts negativity. Have the faith and confidence in your decisions and go in that direction. Even failure will taste sweet.

2. Burberry jackets, Prada bags, Chanel makeup, iPhone 14S, iPad 7G are NOT good reasons to be broke. But plane tickets, traveling, and new experiences are :).

3. Breathe out the past, breathe in the future: Sure, I made mistakes, wished I could have done things better, blown some good opportunities but the important thing is to learn to forgive yourself, move on and don’t look back. It’s better to look back on life and say, “I can’t believe I did that,” than to look back and say, “I wish I did that.”

4. Get to know YOU: Oscar Wilde said: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”. Don’t try to be someone you are not, whatever the situation may be, however hot the girl you are trying to impress is. I have learnt to accept my faults, quirks and my uniqueness. Alone time is crucial. Dates with yourself are the best. Go sit at your favorite café, go travel, go see that movie you always wanted to, go on that run. Discover yourself!

5. You are not who you used to be, and that’s OK: Over the years, there are so many things that changed my perspective, taught me lessons and forced me to grow into the person I am now. I am not that awkward, shy, over anxious, introverted person that I used to be. Of course I’ve changed. But my heart and values are just the same.

6. Learn to give back: I visited an ashram in India where they were raising abandoned children with mental disabilities. My heart sank looking at these kids and almost all of them smiled at me when I saw them. All the worries, complaints I had about my life were just gone for that moment. We need help in whatever way possible, irrespective of our financial situation. It can be as simple as buying lunch for a homeless person. I donate about 3% of yearly salary to the needy. Be it people, animals or for our beautiful planet.

7. Having a healthy lifestyle helps: I don’t mean going on a diet, avoiding carbs, sugar and fats altogether. I don’t mean running marathons, working out for 6 days a week or go swimming 10 laps a day either. Just eat the right kind of food, avoid red meat, drink moderately, floss, travel, sing and dance. Do yoga, hike, run a 5k once in a while, go skiing or snowboarding in the winter and keep your body always active. Consume a lot of omega 3’s in nuts and fish!.

8. Just Do it: Yep, It’s Nike’s tag line but the most effective one. How many of you had plans to travel abroad, go see a show, go to the beach or go to a movie but never did so because your friend/brother/sister/parents bailed on you?. Be reasonable, and be smart. But the longer you think about it, and the longer you hold back, the more you are going to hate everyone around you, including yourself. You can’t wait for other people if YOU want to do something.

9. Learn to let go of it: Holding on is being brave, but letting go and moving on is often what makes us stronger and happier. Be it your Iphone, Computer, Jewelry, car, someone who is has a hook on you, someone you love that walked away. Instead pay attention to those who care about you.

10. Enjoy the little things in life: Take advantage of an open bar, eat ice cream on a hot day, drink hot coffee on a cold rainy Sunday, treat yourself to a nice restaurant once in a while, get that manicure/pedicure you always wanted(if you are a girl), enjoy a glass if wine with your roommate, clean your apartment/house, listen to your favorite band and many more.

I can go on forever and forever about the things I learnt, but the most important goal of life is to live happy and help others.